Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp today backed moves to have the 2030 football World Cup based in the North of England.
The Reds manager threw his weight behind calls for the Home Nations to bid for the tournament. But he insisted it should not be mainly in London.
His support came after the Mirror highlighted the campaign for any potential bid to have a significant presence in the North – possibly hosting the final.
Klopp said: “The North is the bedrock of football in the UK, yes, and it should be represented.
"It is important, and absolutely it would give a huge economic boost to the North of England.
"That is important. I don’t know who makes these decisions.
"I don’t know how many big stadiums you have in London – two or three really big ones with Wembley, Tottenham now and a few more.
“But the World Cup should be, how I understand it, should be a competition where you represent all the different regions of your country.
"Our region is a proper football region, so there should be games in Liverpool then.”
Today the Mirror revealed PM Boris Johnson was coming under increasing pressure to back any bid with a major northern influence.
Liverpool City Region mayor Steve Rotheram said: “If government is serious about rebalancing our country then awarding a northern city the opportunity to host the biggest game in football would be a statement of intent.”
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham added: “The North of England is arguably the strongest football heartland in the world.
"To the world footballing community the pull would be immense."
Klopp added: “I really wish for all the people in the world to have the opportunity to watch a game here in the city.”
Sheffield City Region mayor Dan Jarvis said: “It’s time to bring football home, to the North, with the 2030 World Cup Final.”
